Bob Feller interview, circa 1948

The Maverick Speakers Series appearance by Cal Ripken Jr. in February wasn’t the first time a baseball Hall of Famer has visited the campus. Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller, center, answered questions from Shorthorn editor Vivian Walker during a late-1940s sojourn to Arlington. Known for his 100-mph fastball, Feller was only 17 when he struck out eight St. Louis Cardinals in three innings of an exhibition game. He spent four years in the Navy during the peak of his career but still recorded 266 wins and entered the Hall of Fame in 1962. He died last year at age 92. Observing the interview were Feller’s uncle, Harry Ford, and English Professor Duncan Robinson, The Shorthorn faculty sponsor. Robinson taught at UT Arlington for 50 years and is a member of the University’s Walk of Fame.